LCRD host PLAP City Rollers next month

Members from the Jaw Breakers of Lil Chicago Roller Derby and the Bavarian Barbarians pose for a post-bout photo. The Jaw Breakers travelled to Kimberly, B.C. for this bout over the weekend. Submitted photo

The local Lil Chicago Roller Derby (LCRD) team travelled to Kimberly, B.C. for a bout against the Bavarian Barbarians.

It was a close game, but the Jaw Breakers came out with the 163-102 victory in a packed arena on Saturday.

“The game was very competitive. Both teams played more defensive than offensive,” said Mandy “Anya Azz” Eirich. “It was a fast paced game and very physical.”

The Barbarians got off to a quick start, but the Jaw Breakers took the lead for good at the half time with a 97-61 lead.

“The style was the same, which is why I think it was such a close, low scoring game,” said Eirich. “They had some really fast jammers, but our walls have come together so well this year. We really work as a team. We have a lot of trust with each other, which you can see on the track.”

This is the first time that LCRD has played a bout this far away and it all came together because of a current player — Andie “Cherry Bomber” Gallagher.

Gallagher used to play for the Barbarians, but is a new addition to the Jaw Breakers this year.

The team had planned for this trip and had been fundraising for it since the season began in May.

“There is so much planning throughout the year,” said Eirich. “It was one of the best team bonding experiences we have had.”

Gallagher couldn’t play in the game due to an injury, but coached the Jaw Breakers to the win.

The team was made up of eight members from LCRD, two from North Battleford and one from Whitewood that made the trek west.

“Travelling a distance like this really helped us bond, which really helped strengthen out derby family,” said Eirich.

In order to keep costs down, the players drove themselves out to British Columbia and many camped in the backcountry of the mountains.

During some downtime, the team even made an old style silent movie at the Great West Emporium.

“Sharing this adventure together was the perfect way to celebrate this year’s success as a team,” she said.

The Jaw Breakers have one more home bout this season on Sept. 6 at the Moose Jaw Ford Curling Centre.

The Lil Chicago’s Most Wanted junior team will play at 5 p.m. then the Jaw Breakers will take to the flat track after that game.

The Jaw Breakers know they can take some lessons they learned after playing the Barbarians.

“We have so much confidence in ourselves and each other,” said Eirich.

Members from the Jaw Breakers of Lil Chicago Roller Derby and the Bavarian Barbarians pose for a post-bout photo. The Jaw Breakers travelled to Kimberly, B.C. for this bout over the weekend. Submitted photo